Day Opportunities Consultation

Day Opportunity Stories

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  A customers story - N

  by daniel.brookman, over 5 years ago

  Tell me about yourself…

  COVID has been a really difficult time for everybody, especially N. as she finds it difficult to understand (due to her Autism) The changes that happened so quickly at the beginning of the pandemic really upset her and I feel that more consideration could have been taken to support people with the changes that were happening. (due to the Govt. advice at the end of March 2020 re: COVID-19, customers stopped attending day services and staff were redeployed to work in the community homes.)

  At the start of the pandemic, N felt like her world had... Continue reading

  Tell me about yourself…

  COVID has been a really difficult time for everybody, especially N. as she finds it difficult to understand (due to her Autism) The changes that happened so quickly at the beginning of the pandemic really upset her and I feel that more consideration could have been taken to support people with the changes that were happening. (due to the Govt. advice at the end of March 2020 re: COVID-19, customers stopped attending day services and staff were redeployed to work in the community homes.)

  At the start of the pandemic, N felt like her world had come tumbling down around her. She felt suffocated at home, not being able to go and do the things that she would do normally. This led to her anxieties increasing which affected her sleep, eating patterns and all of her routines went out of sync.

  Thankfully, N. was able to continue to receive support from her Psychologist via ZOOM and although at first N. didn’t want to use this, she got used to it. It was important for both of us. It helped N. to understand that everyone was feeling the same way, which was reassuring.

  Gradually we started to go out for walks, which N really enjoys. Walking helps her to clear her head and tires her, which helps her to sleep. She gets really concerned about all sorts of things and the distractions helped and stopped her getting bored. She would use her ‘tablet device’ or do some art. What she really wanted was familiarity and routine and to see her friends and staff.

  N. needs to know what is going on and finds it difficult to comprehend why she can’t continue to do the things that she is used to. She doesn’t understand why she is not being able to speak to her friends because staff aren’t able to share their telephone numbers.

  Once the Boyn centre and respite opened up, N. was able to meet her friends and the people that are important to her. We had phone calls from staff at the centre and N. had some routine to look forward to.

  When the ZOOM sessions were introduced, N. was a little apprehensive at first but now she really enjoys being online and seeing/ talking to her friends.

  What is so important for N. is knowing her timetable/ which staff will be supporting her. Not knowing really increases her anxieties. I try to look at everything in a positive way, but N. seems to do the opposite.

  She has had her first COVID vaccination, which she was apprehensive about as she had read online about it. She realised that if she had it she would be protected and that she would be able to do more of the things that she wants to do.

  N. has started to have regular contact with a friend from school and they talk to each other on the phone. When I hear her talking, I realise that she does take on what I try to support her to understand. It is good that she has connections with others, which is really positive.

  The change in name to ‘Community Lives’ has thrown her a bit. N. likes her routines and likes things to be the same (as before COVID)

  The consistency of staff at Boyn Grove has helped N. to build trusting relationships. N. is able to talk through what is concerning her and those people understand her and how she is feeling. It would be ideal for N. to have 2 Key Workers. With detailed Care Plans, people can get to know N. and understand how she communicates and understand the things that worry her. Patience and understanding are important. Taking the time to complete simple tasks, one step at a time.

  One of the areas that could be improved (in the day services) is the way in which changes/ transitions are managed and communicated. I think that more consideration needs to be taken to support people like N. who find change very difficult to understand.

  I do think about the future for N. and talk to her about it. At the moment, she says that she is not moving anywhere else and wants to stay at home with the family (forever). She is quite resistant. I would like her to learn and develop her Life Skills and to be more independent. I think that this is really important. E.g. Travel Training for 6-12 weeks step by step and to learn how to deal with things if they go wrong. Money management and budgeting. Shopping and knowing what is a priority e.g. food or clothing?

  Bills and application forms, using the internet, using the library, understanding what to do in an emergency situation, understanding and appreciating difference, it is important to recognise all cultures and humanity.

  As N. gets older, I want her to develop friendships and relationships with her peers. She needs support to organise get togethers e.g. cinema/ meeting for coffee. Support from staff to co-ordinate this in the evenings/ weekends.

  Ideas for the future services to consider; Day trips – something to look forward to e.g. seaside/ theme park.

  My hopes for the future are that N. is abe to develop her independence and have a life like anyone else.
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  A customers story - K

  by daniel.brookman, over 5 years ago

  K is now under the adult team for services and wants to know more about what is on offer for someone her age. K has been going to Reading College and now plans to attend an adult learning course there one day a week after Easter until summer. K has no paid services in place at the moment.

  K belongs to a local swimming club and enjoys this. K enjoys swimming, singing, acting, drama and going to the gym. K has bene unable to do the activities she enjoys as they have been closed due to the lockdowns and her... Continue reading

  K is now under the adult team for services and wants to know more about what is on offer for someone her age. K has been going to Reading College and now plans to attend an adult learning course there one day a week after Easter until summer. K has no paid services in place at the moment.

  K belongs to a local swimming club and enjoys this. K enjoys swimming, singing, acting, drama and going to the gym. K has bene unable to do the activities she enjoys as they have been closed due to the lockdowns and her keeping safe. K is shielding until end of March 2021.

  K is able to use zoom, however this is not the same as seeing people in person. The social side of activities is important and contact with friends. K has missed her friends and although she can see them on zoom, it is not the same and interactions are not the same. In person, her and her friends engage with each other. On zoom, she and her friends stare at the screen. Socialising will be important when lockdown is over and it is safe to meet people again. Zoom is a way she can see people safely and join in activities that are currently not available in person due to covid.

  Keeping fit and healthy is important. Being able to maintain weight and not put it on is especially important for adults with downs syndrome. Therefore, activities that can help with these will be good to attend. Activities at the new Braywick Leisure Centre would be good.

  K does not like loud noises, people shouting or children screaming. This can upset K and make her cry. So the environment activities take place in is important. K cannot walk long distances, so this needs to be considered.

  K would like to get a job in future; she has been working towards getting experience and qualifications to work in a nursery. Any work experience or volunteering would be something K is interested in. As these activities will help to develop her skills and get closer to her goal. She has been under ways into work and is interested in working with Optalis supported employment services when they open up locally.

  K has to go to Reading College to learn English and maths. If there was something more local in Maidenhead, this would be better for her. Would there be any opportunities of tutors/ teachers being employed to run these, for example english, maths, singing. ?? It takes time to learn things, may even take years to learn but if people can get there they should have the chance. K takes a long time to learn new things and wit the right support and time she can learn and do things.

  If activities are local, in Maidenhead, then her mum can provide transport. This would be more difficult if activities were further away from Maidenhead, so may then need transport to these activities.

  K would like to do activities with people with similar abilities, needs and age. She would not like being with people who have higher needs than her.

  K to explore day services and the respite unit as potential avenues to do activities she enjoys, make friends and give mum a break from caring for K. Her mum finds it tiring having K home all the time, as she worries about her and checks she is ok. It can be hard caring for someone all the time without a break. She only wants what is best for K and wants her to be safe and have a bright future.
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  A customers story - PG

  by daniel.brookman, over 5 years ago

  Tell me about yourself…

  P has Downs Syndrome and a severe heart condition; this has led to other health conditions and he has been shielding since the start of the pandemic. P is nonverbal and needs someone who knows him well enough to support him to get his views across.

  Before the pandemic, P had accessed day services at Boyn Grove, before that (for many years) he used to go to Oakbridge. Over the years the people that went to Oakbridge changed, his friends left and there were more people with more complex needs. P enjoyed going to Boyn, he... Continue reading

  Tell me about yourself…

  P has Downs Syndrome and a severe heart condition; this has led to other health conditions and he has been shielding since the start of the pandemic. P is nonverbal and needs someone who knows him well enough to support him to get his views across.

  Before the pandemic, P had accessed day services at Boyn Grove, before that (for many years) he used to go to Oakbridge. Over the years the people that went to Oakbridge changed, his friends left and there were more people with more complex needs. P enjoyed going to Boyn, he likes Arts/ Crafts and Pottery and has made friends there.

  We are so pleased with how the Zoom sessions have worked. P. can see his friends and join in different activities. The fact that he doesn’t need to rush to get ready so early in the morning is a huge benefit. There is a good mix and it’s always quite lively, I support P to join in and he is remembering numbers with the Bingo, the Music sessions are something he enjoys as well, there’s a great variety, Art, Cookery and Gardening and the staff are really enthusiastic. He enjoys seeing his friends, spotting different people and waving to them.

  When P can start to venture out again, which may not be for some time because of his health (maybe not until the end of this year), it would be good to have a mixture of centre based and Zoom activities. P. needs to use a taxi to get to Maidenhead and this is very costly. He would like to meet his friends in person and go to the pub and play pool/ darts and have a drink. He’d like to be with people with similar interests and especially likes Football.

  P. likes to be around people with similar interests as him, a similar ability. There is a difference between people being loud and boisterous and people screaming, he doesn’t like that.

  P. needs support from people that know him and know how best to support him. His communication and health needs are really important.

  Transport is a big issue. I don’t drive and public transport is not that good. Taxis are very expensive. The type of transport is important and the mix of people also using the transport is important.

  To me, Community Lives will always be day services, it’s what I know, it’s what P knows. I understand that changes are needed. P and I have completed the Questionnaire and have highlighted that he needs additional support in the community, as he is unable to walk far due to his health, he needs to use a wheelchair.

  Unfortunately, there are no longer links with Windsor MENCAP since the last Chairperson left. This is such a shame as my mum was involved in setting this up right from the beginning. There used to be so much going on.
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  A customers story - P

  by daniel.brookman, over 5 years ago

  P used to attend Oakbridge 5 days a week and used a taxi to get there and home. P lives with his parents and the plan is for him to continue living with them. Since covid P has not attended Oakbridge and has had no paid services.

  P has epilepsy and uses Makaton. P has a vocab of about 25-30 words in English and French.

  P likes getting out and about. He likes seeing animals and spotting them when he is out. He likes listening to music and drinking coffee / tea.

  P likes shopping, bowling, swimming. Although has not... Continue reading

  P used to attend Oakbridge 5 days a week and used a taxi to get there and home. P lives with his parents and the plan is for him to continue living with them. Since covid P has not attended Oakbridge and has had no paid services.

  P has epilepsy and uses Makaton. P has a vocab of about 25-30 words in English and French.

  P likes getting out and about. He likes seeing animals and spotting them when he is out. He likes listening to music and drinking coffee / tea.

  P likes shopping, bowling, swimming. Although has not been able to do these due to covid.

  It will be good for P to socialise again, as he has not been able to do this since covid. Socialising is important for P.

  P attended Oakbridge Monday to Friday. As his home circumstance have changed and both parents are now home, they do not need a 5 day service in future. They would still like it to be between Monday to Friday in the normal hours between 9-4pm. His mum does not feel he or they need a service at the weekends. They are also happy to transport P to activities locally, rather than using a taxi.

  His mum does not feel that his sessions all need to be centred based. A mix of being at a centre and being in the community would be good for P across the week.
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  A customers story - J

  by daniel.brookman, over 5 years ago

  Tell me about yourself…

  One of the most important things I want for J is to learn relevant day to day social skills. I see that as more valuable/ more important than having a job.

  J does have a job but the support or lack of support that is available to him is not good enough. (Jason has a part time cleaning job with a local company) I can never get hold of the Manager or Job coach.

  J used to work in the ‘Bridge that Gap’ café when it was based at the Town Hall and when it moved... Continue reading

  Tell me about yourself…

  One of the most important things I want for J is to learn relevant day to day social skills. I see that as more valuable/ more important than having a job.

  J does have a job but the support or lack of support that is available to him is not good enough. (Jason has a part time cleaning job with a local company) I can never get hold of the Manager or Job coach.

  J used to work in the ‘Bridge that Gap’ café when it was based at the Town Hall and when it moved to Boyn Grove. He enjoyed the environment, working with people he knew and who knew him. He was able to learn cookery skills that are relevant in a safe and supportive environment. He felt a real sense of achievement when he worked there.

  He has been doing a Cookery course at college and he finds this way of learning too restrictive. The time scales do not work for him and there’s paperwork for him to read, follow and fill out which takes away from the cooking element, (we often have half cooked meals brought home.)

  I remember he used to join a group at the day service, ‘Cake and a Cuppa’ and the way that this was planned supported Jason’s way of learning. They didn’t just make cakes, and the social interaction and support from staff meant that he wasn’t tied to a schedule.

  J enjoys being around people. I want him to be more independent and develop his social skills, I want him to go into town and meet his friends, not with me/mum all the time. We go into town regularly and, as he likes to go to the same places, a lot of the shop workers and market stall holders know J, so I feel that he is safe, but I do still worry that he will go off on his own, because that’s sometimes what he does, and someone could take advantage of him.

  Friendships are difficult so going to Boyn and the social group that meet at The Bear (pub in Maidenhead) as well as getting support from local Agency means that he can meet people and maintain friendships. J needs some support in this area as he doesn’t pick up on social clues e.g. if his friends decided to go for a coffee and he’d already had one, he wouldn’t think to join them anyway because it’s not just about having a coffee, its as much about the social interaction.

  It is important that his relationships are with people that know him and support him, people who treat him as an adult/ as an equal. That’s why he enjoys being with certain staff from Boyn/ Agency. He’s a young man. He wants the same things as other men his age including relationships. He likes to be around people of a similar age.

  Affordability is important, although J has access to his own money and we support the things he wants to do, we know that not all his friends are in the same situation. This can make things difficult. He doesn’t fully understand money and would always use a note of Pound coin to pay for things, now we are all using contactless this has helped.

  Because of J’s epilepsy, he does need support from someone who understands this and although we encourage him to be more independent I am not able to leave him at home on his own for too long (2 hrs), just in case he has a seizure. He has all the things that young men have, internet, mobile phone etc.

  We encourage him to use the local bus, which he can do independently, but sometimes he gets on the wrong one. He has a mobile so he can call if he ends up at the wrong place. J doesn’t take on the finer details in situations like this.

  J is collected from home when he is supported by the Agency and if he is going to a club. He is able to walk to and from Boyn Grove.

  Travel training and independent living skills are all well and good if they are relevant. I know that if you taught J how to work a washing machine outside of where he is living that the one at home would be completely different which makes it frustrating for him and a waste of time.

  I do think about J moving on in the future, he doesn’t want to yet and we don’t want that now but it would be useful to have somewhere (like a halfway house) where he could stay e.g. respite and start to learn those skills in preparation. Cooking, looking after himself, socialising etc. He needs support to understand what he is reading and make sense of it.

  J has forgotten some of the things he used to do before the pandemic as it has been so long. The ZOOM contact that was set up during this last lockdown has been brilliant, he’s loved that he can see his friends and the staff at Boyn. During the first lockdown, this wasn’t available, and the difference is noticeable. J can make his own choices and if a ZOOM call interferes with his routine, he won’t join it. J likes to know where he is and what he’s doing, he likes a routine.

  The continued changes during the pandemic have been difficult for J to comprehend as he struggles with a sense of past, present and in the future. This is frustrating and leads to increased stress and worry.

  J enjoys being outside and busy. He works hard when he volunteers with the gardening team at Boyn and when they support a local horticultural/agricultural business. It’s good for his physical and mental health.

  Debbie was asked what improvements could be made?

  The area that could be most improved (at the day service) is that if changes are known in advance, it is easier to work through with J and organise.
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  A customers story - D

  by daniel.brookman, over 5 years ago

  Before COVID-19 the centre was brilliant! Now, during the pandemic, it is really hard. As a single parent, everything is down to me.

  The ZOOM sessions don’t fit in with all the things that need to be done at home, so D. hasn’t been able to join those. I am very grateful that now, and before the restrictions, D. was offered a place at Boyn Grove, he was going in 3 days a week which was OK.

  Transport is a big issue for me, if I had to do the transport long term it would be too much. It is... Continue reading

  Before COVID-19 the centre was brilliant! Now, during the pandemic, it is really hard. As a single parent, everything is down to me.

  The ZOOM sessions don’t fit in with all the things that need to be done at home, so D. hasn’t been able to join those. I am very grateful that now, and before the restrictions, D. was offered a place at Boyn Grove, he was going in 3 days a week which was OK.

  Transport is a big issue for me, if I had to do the transport long term it would be too much. It is really important as it makes life easier and if transport is available, I think that more people would attend Boyn Grove or the activities in the community.

  D. loves everything that the centre has to offer. Anything and everything you do in the day service is great. I understand now what the Questionnaire was about, it was a bit confusing as D. wouldn’t go swimming in Windsor, I understand that now. I think that all the links with the Community and people are great. I don’t think 1:1 support works very well as it is too isolating, it is important that D. is with his peers/ friends. It is really important that he has that social interaction, it suits him.

  D. likes to be around people with similar interests. The key for him is variety. At the centres, I know that he is safe and the environment is secure so I don’t have to worry. It is fantastic the level of support we receive, and the staff understand his needs. I can relax knowing this.

  Things that could be better? Links with the local schools so that they know what goes on in the centres and the community. I think that promoting the service to more people and continuing to build on the service is a good thing. Being more involved in the local community is great but you still need a base, a nucleus. The staff have always been flexible and maximise the resources well.

  We don’t have any plans for D. to move on yet, and that is partly because we get so much support from the day service. (D. was using the day service 5 days a week pre COVID)
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  A customers story - I

  by daniel.brookman, over 5 years ago

  Tell me about yourself…

  My daughter I. is going to Reading college in September, the ‘Our House’ course. It is the nearest college provision that can meet her needs and she will attend 4 days per week. I. has ASD and is non-verbal, she needs 1:1 support and needs support in all areas 24hrs a day, she does not understand danger. I. has Turner’s Syndrome, so she also looks very young, more like a 13yr old, she is extremely vulnerable.

  I am pleased that she will be at college with her peers, I feel that it is important for her... Continue reading

  Tell me about yourself…

  My daughter I. is going to Reading college in September, the ‘Our House’ course. It is the nearest college provision that can meet her needs and she will attend 4 days per week. I. has ASD and is non-verbal, she needs 1:1 support and needs support in all areas 24hrs a day, she does not understand danger. I. has Turner’s Syndrome, so she also looks very young, more like a 13yr old, she is extremely vulnerable.

  I am pleased that she will be at college with her peers, I feel that it is important for her to be around people of a similar age. We live in Windsor and have visited the Oakbridge Centre, I am sure that the service is very good but when I went there the people were either older than I. or had more complex needs.

  I. likes to be active. She enjoys horse riding, swimming, TVAP and days out to places like Legoland. She is involved in everything the family does and is good in social situations. We have family in New Zealand and flying is something that has always been part of family life. If there were activities and support available in the evening’s I think that she would enjoy these.

  When the schools were closed I. found it difficult to understand. Although she can’t communicate verbally, she would stand by the door waiting to go to school. It became quite isolating for her during this time.

  I want I. to be connected with her local community and access the places that her family and peers do. With the right support I want I. to be involved and included.

  Transport would not be an issue for me/ I. is easy to support in this area.
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  A customers story - L

  by daniel.brookman, over 5 years ago

  Tell me about yourself…

  L lives at home with both her parents in Eton. She has been going to Oakbridge for many years, (since it opened) and she enjoys going there to meet her friends and enjoys the company. Going to the centre is valuable respite for us and enables us to continue to care for L at home. L. mobility is not a as good as it used to be so being out in the Community would be difficult and she needs a lot of support and patience as she walks slowly and needs a walking frame. L. is... Continue reading

  Tell me about yourself…

  L lives at home with both her parents in Eton. She has been going to Oakbridge for many years, (since it opened) and she enjoys going there to meet her friends and enjoys the company. Going to the centre is valuable respite for us and enables us to continue to care for L at home. L. mobility is not a as good as it used to be so being out in the Community would be difficult and she needs a lot of support and patience as she walks slowly and needs a walking frame. L. is really vulnerable; she isn’t able to communicate verbally and she is reliant on others to keep her safe.

  During the first lockdown we found it difficult and quite challenging. The family dynamic was put under strain as we have all been under the same roof. We had to get some kind of routine in place and if there was a hospital appointment, we all had to go as my wife doesn’t drive and the whole process was stressful.

  The ZOOM sessions have been a lifeline for us. L. enjoys seeing her friends and is quite happy people watching, she sits and engages with who’s on the screen. She misses the companionship of her friends though. The variety of different activities has been good, exercise, story telling and music. We go for a walk in between sessions for about ¾ hr. It is important to keep stimulated and stretched. Before ZOOM home life was very monotonous.

  It is really difficult to imagine what life would be like without the support that we get. L. is so vulnerable, we trust the staff who know her well and understand how to communicate with her and how she communicates, they are well trained. The security of the centre and the fact that it is a safe and stimulating environment are all really important to us. The communication we have with the staff is very good. As I mentioned, L. mobility has deteriorated and with the links staff have with the other professionals, she now has a walker which means she can still go out with her friends.

  L. enjoys being with a mixture of people, different ages/ abilities although the younger people who are a bit livelier could be a bit of a risk. She loved volunteering at the Windsor Day Centre, helping to tidy up and ‘talking’ to the ladies and gents. L. seemed to know when she was going which was good for her understanding the days of the week and showed how much she enjoyed it.

  L. comes with us to our local Bowls Club, although she isn’t able to participate, she watches the other members and claps in the right places. It would be beneficial for her to go out in the evenings and weekends with her friends. She used to do things like that with the Buddy Scheme which was run by staff from the centre and Windsor MENCAP. This isn’t running anymore.

  Transport is a concern, L. used to get a taxi to and from the centre as we live in Eton, there isn’t a bus available. This was a big concern for us initially as L. is so vulnerable, there were a few teething problems at first but over time, we were able to build up trust with some of the regular Taxi drivers.

  Since COVID-19 we have been taking L. to Windsor and we are happy to continue to do this all being well, as we feel that it is safer. We do our best to keep safe, we don’t go to the shops like we used to, L. liked t do this regularly and it was a reason to go out and about. Now we go out for walks and stay away from the usual pathways.

  We are very happy with the service and support that L. gets at Oakbridge Centre. If the service closed for any reason it would be disastrous for L. and the other people that go there. A service is essential for the other people that use it and their families who are supporting them. We are extremely grateful to the service and all the staff.